Bauhinia Variegata

Description

Bauhinia Variegata, also known as the orchid tree or butterfly tree, is a beautiful and hardy ornamental plant that is native to India and Southeast Asia. It is widely cultivated around the world for its stunning flowers, which resemble orchids and come in shades of pink, purple, and white. The plant is also valued for its attractive foliage, which is made up of two rounded leaves that resemble butterfly wings. Bauhinia Variegata is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall and 5 meters wide.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The flowers of Bauhinia Variegata are 10-15 cm wide and have five petals, with the uppermost petal forming a distinctive curved shape that resembles the wing of a butterfly. The flowers bloom in clusters and are produced in abundance during the summer months. The leaves of the plant are large and heart-shaped, with a deep cleft down the center that gives them their distinctive butterfly shape. The leaves are typically 10-15 cm long and wide, and are a glossy dark green color. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow or red before falling off for the winter.

Care Guide

Bauhinia Variegata is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this beautiful ornamental:

Water

Bauhinia Variegata prefers moist, well-draining soil. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often if the soil dries out quickly. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

Fertilize the plant in the spring and summer with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.

Soil

Bauhinia Variegata prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.

Sunlight

Bauhinia Variegata prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but will produce fewer flowers in low light conditions.

Hardiness Zones

Bauhinia Variegata is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. In colder zones, the plant can be grown as an indoor houseplant or in a greenhouse.

Common Pests & Diseases

Bauhinia Variegata is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The plant may also be susceptible to leaf spot or root rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil.

Habitat

Bauhinia Variegata is native to India and Southeast Asia, but is widely cultivated around the world as an ornamental plant. It is commonly found in gardens, parks, and along roadsides in tropical and subtropical regions.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Bauhinia Variegata a deciduous or evergreen tree?

A: Bauhinia Variegata is a deciduous tree that loses its leaves in the fall and remains leafless during the winter.

Q: Does Bauhinia Variegata attract butterflies?

A: Yes, the flowers of Bauhinia Variegata are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators.

Q: Can Bauhinia Variegata be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Bauhinia Variegata can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system. Use a well-draining potting mix and water the plant regularly.

Q: How often should I prune my Bauhinia Variegata tree?

A: Prune the tree in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and trim back any branches that are growing too long or crossing over other branches.

Related Plants

• Bauhinia purpurea
• Bauhinia blakeana
• Bauhinia galpinii
• Bauhinia forficata

References

• “Bauhinia Variegata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed on August 10, 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286379&isprofile=0&=&letter=B&adv=0&statecode=MO&=&Season=All&BloomTime=All&Color=All&Height=All&Light=All&=&Moisture=All&=&Usage=All&=&Location=All&=&CompType=All&=&Genus=Bauhinia#LearnMore>
• “Bauhinia Variegata.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed on August 10, 2021. <https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/st491>
• “Bauhinia Variegata.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed on August 10, 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/21599/bauhinia-variegata/details>